Removing Super Dash

[GTV67]

Hi,

time to remove the Super's dash to
a) fix the wood
b) put in a working radio
c) re-fit the heater and
d) R&R all the plastic underneath

I looked in the parts book but not at all obvious how it comes apart - anybody our there done this at all? I've done in on a GTV but this looks different when peering up from underneath.

all guidance welcomed,
thanks,

-Richard

[sprintgtc]

Hi Richard,
The Super dash is super easy to remove/install. (sorry )

1. Remove the dash vent grille near the windshield. (don't lose the big washers, you can't replace them)
2. Under the grille, you'll find three bolts.
3. There is an outboard mount on each side above the fresh air vents
4. There is a mount on each side of the heater box.
Other than wires & cables, you're ready to come out.

Notes:
You can take the gauge cluster out separately if you want, although the four nuts on the backside can be a bit of a battle. Also, it is easier to remove the steering wheel first. The heater unit can pretty much only be R&R'ed with the dash out. Replace the heater valve, you don't want to do this a second time for a leaky valve.

I have wiring notes and pictures if you need them.

[Andrew]

Make sure to mark all wires, cables, etc. There are no big gang plugs; every wire is separately fastened, and it's a nightmare to sort out if not properly marked on removal.

A couple extra points:
* Remove the steering column cover to get easier access in that area.
* There is a little metal strut that goes from the firewall to the the heater control panel under the dash. You have to remove the two sheetmetal screws on either side of the panel, and let it hinge downwards.
* I find it improves access to remove the glovebox (two bolts), radio speaker cover (four nuts), and ashtray (four screws) first. Plus it makes it lighter.
* On the defroster grille, there are the three allen machine screws mentioned with never-find-them-in-this-lifetime beveled washers, plus two allen sheetmetal screws at the outer ends that go into the A-pillar covers. Remove those, and the higher-up screws, to pull the A-pillar covers off before removing the dash.
* Once the dash is out the heater's a breeze.

It's all pretty straightforward and common sensical.
Andrew Watry

[GTV67]

Thanks guys

Just knowing where to look for the attachments is half the battle.

I got the car with the heater already removed and in pieces and that long grille over the vents (by the windshield) rattling around, so the unobtainable beveled washers are already lost.... sigh

Does the heater bolt up to studs that are attached to the dash or to the sheetmetal? Must be sheetmetal I suppose - so I re-assemble heater to the car then slip the dash over it?

long shot - does anybody have a picture of an assembled but removed heater so that I can see how the cables hook up. There's a 2nd flap in the bag of parts I received (additional to the one in the top that opens the heater to outside-air) that I don't really understand. It seems like it goes alongside the core, and opens and closes to allow cold air to bypass the core - but I don't see how it can be controlled by the cables. Parts book is useless for heater internals.

cheers,
-Richard

[Andrew]

The heater studs (very small) are on the firewall, not the dash. Yup, heater in the first, then dash over it.

Sorry I don't have pics of a heater box handy.

Andrew

[GTV67]

I finally got around to taking the the dash out today - thanks to all that helped, your advice was invaluable. I found the best way was to remove all attachments - roll the dash off the mounts and rotate it downwards onto the tunnel, so that you're looking down at the back of the instruments, then label and remove all the wiring in that position. Not too bad a job, though not looking forward to hooking it all back up.

This is a much nicer dash-construction technique than that compressed paper stuff they made GTV dashes from in 1967.

Now that I have the dash out there's another question.

I want to replace the wood, so have removed the chromed trim that holds it down - but to do that I had to bend off the small split spring-steel plates that are pushed over the studs on the back of that metal trim. So the question is - what are they called? I'm sure McMaster-Carr or sombody sells them, but I have no idea what to search the catalog for - any suggestions?

Thanks again,

-Richard
1967 Super
1966 GTV

[Andrew]

To get the wood off you have to remove the chrome. To remove the chrome you have to remove all those spring clips from the chrome's studs on the back. I used a small scribe and pliers to get under the spring part and "worry" them off and reused most of them. A few got broken, but most were OK. No idea where you might get new ones. The same clips are used on a number of other interior locations on period Alfas, including to hold the chrome trim around the shift boot on GTVs, Berlinas, Spiders.

Andrew

[justcallmefred]

Pretty much available anywhere- Car Quest (I think it's a natl. chain?) sells "Quik-Paks" 20 in a bag part# 1-2099- there's alot- I think it takes a bag and a half! Fred.

[Andrew]

Similar round ones are also used to hold on emblems, like the Bertone badge, Iniezione badge, etc.
Andrew

[wirelessjunkie]

I'm looking for a pair of speedo and tacho for my Super. Anyone has any handy? CHeers.